Those of you who have visited the brand new Portland Coffee Shop will have probably come into contact with learner Ethan, who last week was given the inaugural Work Experience Employee of the Month award!
Ethan’s Tutor nominated him; “Ethan really struggles with his anxiety and confidence and requires lots of praise throughout his day, which helps him concentrate and believe in himself. During work experience on a Tuesday with me, Ethan has overcome working with a different peer group and flourished with me. He’s gone over and above to guide and support his peers on a Tuesday, using his past experience in the coffee shop to mentor the group as well.
“Ethan has even offered on lots of occasions to sacrifice his own break to ensure I’m not left alone to run the coffee shop, taking his break in the coffee shop to be there in case I get busy. I think Ethan has thrived on the responsibilities of running the coffee shop and I feel sure he would be an asset to anyone who may employ him in the future with the skills he can take from this work experience.”
Ethan himself said he “Feels more confident and has improved working as part of a team” from completing work experience in the coffee shop.